Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 91: Test of Courage

Ugh... Why does my head feel like it ran into a cement mixer? Last time I checked, Kazu, Yur1, and I were trying to get through the <Hill Forest> and...

Hang on...

"KAZU!!!" I scream as I get up from the ground and look around my surroundings. "What the?! Where the heck am I?"

I notice that rather than seeing a wall of trees around me, I'm in an empty room made of gray concrete walls and a floor. In front of me is a pair of large closed stone doors and around me are several suits of armor seemingly staring down at me in every direction. From the looks of it, looks like neither Kazu nor Yur1 didn't manage to join me. First things first, I try the whisper feature to contact Kazu...

[NOTICE]

[You are not allowed to use this feature at this time.]

Wait...what?!

But that's impossible! Kazu's birthday isn't supposed to be until next week or so! Something isn't right. I quickly check up on him through the [Guardian] feature next.

[NOTICE]

[Please note that while you are required to play alone for this [Hidden Quest], your [Guardian Player] will keep track of your status for the duration and the settings they've provided will still be up per the game rules.

However, they have no right to stop the [Quest] nor leave their current location unless the minor experiences any mental issues during this segment. Player discretion is advised.]

No way... Dammit, child safety, my ass... Who the hell made this so-called [Hidden Quest]?! If this game hurts my little brother, I'm going to sue my Dad and the game developers!

I quickly take a deep breath after my short freakout. If I continue to be angry at the developers, I won't able to log out with my character dead. At this point, all I can do is find an exit or better yet, find something to trigger a cutscene or something. That's what Kazu would do in this situation, I think. Still, wandering around this place won't lead me anywhere at this rate. So...

"Alright, kidnapper! You got some nerve separating me and my brother and friend like that!" I shout. "Come out before I start tearing this place apart!"

[Well, no need to get violent, kid. You're not here to get killed, so you can complete it.]

Well, that works. I turn around and notice an old woman in an elaborate silver hooded robe approaching me. She has white long hair that seems to tie up into a bun and she is staring at me with her silver-blue eyes. She is also holding a large staff that seemed to be similar to Kazu's [Crystal Staff], except it has many more jewels attached at the top of it.

"Are you the one who took Kazu and Yur1?" I ask.

[Hmmm... I prefer the term "summoned", my child. Besides, it's your brother and his friend's decision to learn more about the book's origins. It is inevitable they will find the source of it. That is the true purpose of the [Book of Presence].]

Well, Kazu and Yur1 are right on the money. But that doesn't answer all of my questions.

"Okay... And I'm guessing I'm the odd one out because I'm not an [Insignis] just like them, right?"

[Very perceptive, young [Human]. You really are the true brother of that [Insignis] prodigy.]

"I've had my moments. Now, the real question is why am I here? And where did you take Kazu and his friend?"